Human Relations News

Two festivals and a forum for high school students on race relations highlight the city’s observance of Cultural Awareness Month during September.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, the city is a sponsor of Fiesta, the Hispanic League's annual Hispanic cultural festival, in downtown Winston-Salem from noon to 7 p.m. Admission is free and will include Hispanic entertainment, food and merchandise vendors. The city will have a tent with information from multiple departments to share with the public.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Human Relations Commission is co-sponsoring International Village during Rock the Block, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Corpening Plaza. Cultures from all over the world will be showcased and celebrated through music, dancing, fashion shows, food, arts and crafts vendors, and information booths.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and Mount Tabor High School administrators will welcome participants to a Student Race Relations Forum to be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Mount Tabor High School. Students from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County high schools will discuss their perspectives on the state of race relations.

Cultural Awareness Month coincides with, and complements, Mayor Allen Joines’ designation of September as Compassionate Action Month and September 13 as “Act of Kindness Day.” In July the City Council voted to endorse the “Charter for Compassion” developed by the Compassionate Action Network International and directed the Human Relations Commission to develop programs for pursuing the goals of the charter.

For more information about these events or Cultural Awareness Month, call CityLink 311.